Mets Morning News: Happy Opening and Francisco Lindor Signs an Extension Day

Meet the Mets

Just when things were looking bleak, Francisco Lindor will remain in the blue and orange for quite a long time. He agreed to a 10-year extension worth $341 million.

He remain in Queens for the next decade since the deal does not include any opt-outs but some of the money is deferred.

Lindor is one of the game’s brightest stars and now has the chance to shine on the grandest stage in New York and will be worth every penny.

If the superstar reaches his full potential he could challenge for one of the greatest position players to ever wear the Mets uniform.

Teammate Taijuan Walker was so excited by the news he hinted at the signing before the deal got reported.

Jacob deGrom of course will be on the mound to open up the 2021 season and his quest for a third Cy Young will begin again. Mets fans can be usually found glued to their TVs during deGrom starts, but another Cy Young winner joins them every five days when the ace is on the mound.

deGrom sets an impossibly high standard but it’s time for the team to follow his lead.

A few players will need to work to meet that standard and turn around a disappointing 2020 and meet the greater expectations that comes with the revamped team.

GM Zack Scott got thrown into his new position after the Jared Porter firing and he had to adjust quickly to his new role.

Joan Payson often gets overlooked, but she was one of baseball’s trailblazers when she was the principal owner of the Mets from 1962-1975.

Around the National League East

Say hello to the Braves Opening Day roster.

Sandy Alcantara gets the nod for the Marlins for the second year in a row when they open up at home against the Rays.

Hector Neris will serve as the Phillies closer this season after winning the job in spring training.

The Nationals had a player test positive for COVID-19 and will be down five others who were in contact with the positive player.

It will be a battle of aces when Jacob deGrom squares off against Max Scherzer at Nationals Park.

Around Major League Baseball

Major League Baseball announced it was going to change the baseball but the results from spring show that the baseball still might be juiced this season.

Jersey sales are a good indication of the popular players in the sport, and coming off a championship season, Mookie Betts became the top seller in baseball.

Blue Jays outfielder George Springer will start the season on the injured list with an oblique strain.

Umpire Angel Hernandez lost his discrimination lawsuit against Major League Baseball where he alleged he was discriminated against after not being assigned World Series games since 2005.

Cleveland has yet to undergo a name change but they have banned fans from wearing Native American headdresses and face paint at all home games.

Aces are wild on Opening Day but what are the top pitching matchups from all 15 games?

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Chris McShane argued that the Mets should pay Francisco Lindor.

On Episode 78 of A Pod of Their Own, it was more subdued since Lindor had not yet signed but arguments for and against the black jerseys were made.

Thomas Henderson took a look at the Mets’ outfield while Grace Carbone previewed the starting rotation.

Allison McCague did a month-by-month breakdown of the Mets’ schedule to see where their toughest and easiest months are by the numbers.

David Capobianco thinks the Mets will have some tough competition in the National League East this year.

This Date in Mets History

Happy Birthday Daniel Murphy!